The Czech Republic was officially represented at this year’s Defence Exhibition (DEFEA) 2023 with a national pavilion consisting of a variety of Czech companies. Among them was TATRA Trucks manufacturer, represented by its subsidiary TATRA EXPORT.

Through its representatives, TATRA EXPORT presented its entire portfolio of TATRA vehicles, which also includes the heavy-type TATRA PHOENIX configured as an all-wheel-drive handling load system (HLS). This new version of the wheeled heavy logistics vehicle features (8×8) all-wheel-drive capabilities, which is equipped with an armored two-door and 2+1-seat cabin in line with NATO standard STANAG 4569.

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Further, the truck is equipped with a cabin that was developed by the TATRA DEFENCE VEHICLE company, which incorporates CBRN, ballistic and anti-mine protection for the crew.

According to the company, compared to the initial variant presented last year at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris, TATRA unveiled an innovation – a hook loader for transporting unified containers. 

The TATRA PHOENIX series uses a combination of the original chassis of the TATRA concept, currently in service with the Czech and Dutch Armies, while TATRA Trucks – in cooperation with DAF Trucks and Tatra Defence Vehicle – is currently fulfilling an order for the Belgian Army for hundreds of military logistics vehicles, which are derived from the TATRA PHOENIX variant.

TATRA PHOENIX specifications:

• Engine: Paccar along with Allison gearbox 
• Width: 2,550 mm
• Clearance: 400 mm
• Gross Vehicle Weight: 44,000 kg
• Gross Combined Weight: 68,000 kg
• Maximum speed: 90 km/h
• Fording capability: 1,200 mm
• Trench width: 2,100 mm
• Vertical step: 600 mm
• Operating ambient temperature: -32°C to +49°C
• Armament: Load handling system CTS 18-58-MSAT / containers and removable platforms of 18,000 kg

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The TATRA chassis concept is a globally proven design (for more than 100 years), which allows independent movement of each wheel with improved steering and a maximum number of tires in contact with the ground. The main principle is the use of a central load-carrying tube and axles with independently suspended swinging half-axles bolted together into a single unit.

In addition, the drivetrain shafts are situated in the central tube and are thus protected against external effects, resulting also in lower maintenance costs.

TATRA vehicles are now being tested daily in Ukraine through, for example, the RM-70 Vampire 4D Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MLRS) system, installed on a TATRA FORCE 815-7T3RC1 8×8.1R chassis. TATRA vehicles are also in service with the National Guard, on the ZUZANA 155 mm self-propelled guns and supporting vehicles. You can find out more about this in the following article.

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